Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The Wonky Bus

"I don't know what
effect these men will have on the enemy but by god they terrify me" is a
quote attributed to the Duke of Wellington describing his own men.

This comes to mind when I think of the horde who pile out of the Wonky bus onto
unsuspecting European streets in search of a Stranglers gig.Very much, I suspect, the same as those
monks on Lindisfarne in 792 when suddenly confronted by the first Viking raid.

Grown adults, not all men I hasten to add, who enjoin The Stranglers in an orgy
of joy, mayhem and, for the most part, a celebration of a commonality.

They add a vibe which can never be equalled by the good burghers of the
Netherlands or Belgium who I have witnessed from the relative safety of the
stage observing the Wonkies with a mix of trepidation and disbelief.

I applaud these modern day berserkers who give a lift to our concerts in
Europe. Long may you Wonky(a new verb).

I am delighted to say I invaded the stage in Vilvoorde, ran across the stage and was not ejected by the bouncers but kindly helped down off the stage by the bouncers. It was taken in great heart by the band apparently with smiles from JJ and Baz and I safely made it back to my seat. This was fuelled by double figures of Belgian beer during the day but also a homage to a band I truly love and respect. The fact I can still do this at 46 is still an amazement and I feel I am privileged to attend Stranglers concerts. I was delighted that JJ recognised me the next night in Leuven, presumably for my antics the night before, and presented me with his signature plectrum, but I have been lucky to talk to the band on other foreign excursions so maybe my boat is now known to the band. I hope so! Long live the Stranglers.

I'm a good burgher of The Netherlands (ha, ha) and I liked The Wonkies. You played a great gig at Gebr. de Nobel in Leiden, so I hope to see you next year. And... maybe than I'm still a good "burgher" of The Netherlands, but I dislike Dutch beer. A Dutch jenever is far better.

Brits are so lucky to have so much of The Stranglers! Such great songwriting, playing ability and transcendent attitude and intellect make a lot of fans around the world wishing they had as much as British fans do!